Quitinday Green Hills

Tucked away in the municipality of Camalig, Albay, the Quitinday Green Hills perfectly embody the concept of slow, provincial travel. Often referred to by locals and travelers alike as the "Chocolate Hills of Bicol," this breathtaking geological formation features hundreds of conical peaks rolling across the rural landscape, offering a remarkably uncommercialized alternative to mainstream tourist destinations.

The visual character of these mounds shifts dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy season (roughly June through December), cogon grass heavily blankets the terrain, creating a lush, velvety emerald green texture. Conversely, the intense summer heat scorches the grass between March and May, turning the peaks a deep brown and earning them their famous chocolate moniker.

Exploring the Quitinday Hills requires minimal physical effort, making it highly accessible for beginners, casual walkers, and families. From the main registration point, a well-maintained dirt path guides visitors directly toward the primary viewpoints. The ascent typically takes a brief 15 to 20 minutes of leisurely walking.

However, the exposed nature of the hills requires careful preparation. The mounds feature absolutely zero trees, meaning the trail provides no shade whatsoever. If you plan to hike before 3:00 PM, the harsh tropical sun will test your endurance. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, apply high-SPF sunscreen, and carry at least one liter of water per person. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes will also help you navigate the occasional loose dirt comfortably.

The local barangay maintains two main peak viewpoints for visitors. Reaching the summits reveals a stunning 360-degree panorama of the entire Camalig province. A gentle, cool breeze constantly sweeps across the high ground, rewarding hikers instantly upon arrival.

INSIDER TIPS / Edin / The Lazy Traveler

The absolute best time to hike these hills falls between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. The afternoon heat dissipates completely, and the sunset casts an incredible golden glow across the rolling grass. Plus, you avoid the harsh midday sun entirely!

Quitinday Green Hills serves as an extraordinary playground for landscape photographers. Standing atop the main viewing deck, the majestic Mount Mayon dominates the northeastern horizon. Because the volcano remains active, smart travelers frequently consult the latest PHIVOLCS volcano bulletins before planning their photography trips. On clear days, the contrast between the rolling emerald foreground and the perfect volcanic cone in the background creates truly cinematic imagery.

If you prefer a moody, nostalgic aesthetic, plan your visit for the early morning. Heavy mist frequently rolls through the valleys between the mounds before 7:00 AM, wrapping the peaks in a soft, ethereal fog. Drones capture this landscape exceptionally well, revealing the true scale and vast number of hills scattering the province.

Building up an appetite on the hills gives you the perfect excuse to explore Camalig’s culinary heritage. The Local Government of Camalig proudly promotes their town as the "Pinangat Capital of the Philippines." Once you descend from the peaks, take your tricycle directly back to the town proper and visit a local eatery. Ordering authentic Bicolano Pinangat - fresh taro leaves slowly simmered in rich coconut milk, infused with fiery chilies and smoked meat - serves as the ultimate post-hike reward.

Since exploring Quitinday Hills only consumes a couple of hours, you can easily pair this destination with other exceptional, slow-living spots nearby:

• Quituinan Hill: For another incredible vantage point of Mount Mayon, head to this lush hilltop to ride horses, pitch a tent, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic.
• Sumlang Lake: Unwind after your hike by floating on a traditional bamboo raft across peaceful waters, accompanied by unobstructed views of the volcano.
• Solong Eco Park: Trade the sun-drenched hills for cool, shaded forest trails and fascinating cave systems just a short drive away in Camalig.
• Kawa Kawa Hill: Head over to the neighboring city of Ligao to walk the rim of this unique geographical formation, famously known as "the hill without a top."

The local rural community manages this natural attraction directly, and visitors play a crucial role in its preservation. Pack out all garbage, including small food wrappers and empty plastic bottles, and dispose of them properly once you return to town. Stick strictly to the designated dirt paths to protect the delicate cogon grass from erosion and trampling. Before heading up the trail, purchase snacks or drinks from the small sari-sari stores near the registration desk to directly support the local economy.